Replace Actor in a Sequence diagram

[NicoVlug]

I would like to replace an actor element (link) in an existing sequence diagram for another actor element without redrawing large parts of the diagram. We looked for options in Advanced Element Menu and through XML Export-Import but without success. Is it possible?
[original message]

[qwerty]

Select the lifeline and press Ctrl-L. That lets you select another classifier (actor).

q.
[original message]

[NicoVlug]

My aim was to replace an actor element with a new actor and to delete the old element. A classifier will still link the old actor to the diagram; deleting the original actor will destroy the diagram. Did I misunderstood?
[original message]

[qwerty]

It is not only good practice to use classified lifelines instead of concrete classes/actors. It is a must if you use version control or export packages via XMI. Else you will clobber your SDs.

If you want to exchange a lifeline-used actor with another you have to do it manually (see how easy it would have been using a classifier) or you implement some scripting to aid with it.

q.
[original message]

[Bellekens@localhost Geert Bellekens]

I wouldn't do that.
If it's not too much work I would simply drag the correct actor on the sequence diagram (as an instance, not a link) and then reconnect the messages to this instance.
Afterwards remove the old actor from the diagram.
Once the old actor is not used anymore then you can delete it from the model.

Geert
[original message]

[NicoVlug]

Thanks for your suggestion. We agree on the use of instances. The use-cases models I work with are not well designed (not my work). I'm just trying to improve by linking SDs to a harmonized actors & roles model. Would manual conversion involve changing GUIDs in XML and re-import?
[original message]

[qwerty]

I would have suggested the same :-)

q.
[original message]

[NicoVlug]

Thanks qwerty and Geert for your insights. I will manually reconnect the messages to the new actors and work my way through the diagrams.
[original message]